Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2015
300. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the green low-carbon agri-environmental scheme; when the scheme will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8127/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department's on-line system for advisors opened yesterday 23 February. Work can now begin on preparing GLAS plans. While the formal approval process for the Rural Development Programme as a whole has still to be completed, we now have a very clear understanding with the European Commission as to the shape of the new GLAS, its priorities, the actions that should be applied and the rates of payment that will be made. Having reached this level of agreement, and in order to allow maximum time for farmers to prepare their proposals, I decided to launch GLAS immediately.
The full online system is now open, which allows advisors to start preparing the necessary proposals for their clients. Completed proposals may then be formally submitted when the first tranche opens, following confirmation of the agreed content of the Rural Development Programme, which is expected shortly.
